Power Washing Lead Paint

[Cal]

(08-11-2010 06:13 PM)Cal Wrote:  Went to an exterior Lead Paint Abatement Paint Quote last week, speaking with homeowner. I could tell homeowner was a little misguided what power washing is meant to do. He thought just power washing Lead Paint would clean off clean as a whistle. "And slap some paint on it" LOL Yipes!

First, Lead Removal, the last thing you want to do is power wash, making clean-up a living mess during containment. I could just see Lead Paint chips flying all over like confetti on New Years Eve in NY.

Second, keeping high pressure close enough to peel paint, this can & will also damage wood surfaces. Enjoyed instructing him, first hand scraping is prescribed. Power washing only "Cleans" exterior surface, removing dirt, and debris normally not seen with the naked eye. Exterior surfaces collect lots of dust, and dirt over time, working from the top down, exterior siding is clean, as an artist has a clean canvas to work with.
We'll see how it goes.

[HousePainterNY]

It would definatly be a mess. I get customers that I have to educate on the benefits of power washing and the right and wrong way to power wash. Some customers get nervous when you mention that you will be pressure wahing there home to prepare it for painting. I've had customers tell me not to power wash, because they feel that I will damage the wood or force water into their home. Some clients have had bad experiences with people pressure washing their home whom is untrained and damages something. I explain to them the benefits of cleaning the substrate prior and also that I can adjust the pressure, so that it is a soft wash that will be rinsing the surface and also that it depends on what tip you use on your power washer too. I do agree that in a situation where there is a lot of loose paint that the substrate should be power washed after scraping/sanding, otherwise you will have one big mess and no containment, especially on a lead home. With out a clean canvas an artist can't perform his magic.

[Cal]

Thanks Tom, knowing you too are Lead Abatement Certified, very knowledgeable in this sector of house painting. Also knowing the East Coast is where our govt. originated Lead Abatement protocols and procedures, having much more Lead Paint than anywhere else in the country. Like heard in class, Boston has/had Hepa Vac. street sweepers, now that's a lot!
Would like to hear more of your knowledge when time permits, having much more hands on experience than I.

This particular home also has Asbestos shingles for siding, which as long as not disrupted, will be no harm, covering with an Encapsulate paint. Can you allow any knowledge on this subject? I'm not officially certified on Asbestos. Are you?

I received my certification back in 2005, at University of Cincinnati, as Lead Abatement Contractor, and another one for supervisor. Was told from professors (no reason to doubt, but not sure if I believe 100%) they - professors there wrote the book for the EPA on Lead Abatement.

Well, it's all about informing our clients, staying within Federal guidelines, protecting ourselves, property, and community, doing things the right way. Tks.

[gormo]

Hi, we do a lot of Lead Abatement work here in Australia. I'm not sure how much our regulations differ from yours, however they are pretty strict here. If your interested in how we deal with Lead Paint go and checkout our site.

http://www.paintingbrisbane.com.au/main/...moval.html

I hope this is of interest

[Cal]

Thank you gormo! You have some great info there. Don't think ours differs that much from Australia. Each State here either has it's own Lead Program or National guided one which is goes with EPA rules and regs.